Hello there dears! I’m coming to you from the very, very far north – as northern as you can get on the American west coast. There’s actually some Canada below me, ha! Damian and I spent the whole day yesterday traveling, from car trips to ferry boats and the most beautiful scenery imaginable. The air up here is so fresh and crisp, the water is blue-green and icy clear, and this little town called Roche Harbor is maybe the cutest place I’ve ever seen.

Our hotel sits right on the water, overlooking the harbor and the gardens. This building was constructed in 1887 and not much has changed since then. Our room’s flowered wall paper is cracked and peeling, there’s a small vanity, a single bedside table, and a pedestal sink. The bathrooms – a gentlemen’s and a ladies’, shared by the whole floor – is down the hall. I was alarmed at this notion until I saw it.

This morning I took a bath in the largest, loveliest old claw foot tub I’ve ever laid eyes on. It was long and deep and all 6-feet-and-an-inch of me could lie down in it. It has mahogany wood on the rim and a high, centered, swan-like spigot. The soap and shampoo they provided says “100% vegetable based. Celebrate. Champion. Respect. 100% biodegradable. GE free. Not tested on animals.” It smells like honey and roses. Siiiiiiiigh, such luxury!

This afternoon I’ll watch one of my oldest friends marry a very good man. I’ve got waterproof mascara, and I’ll need it.

I’m sharing all this as an extended way of pardoning any absence in the coming days. Internet is patchy here and I’m taking a long weekend. I hope you’ll understand.

And I hope you’ll be having a wonderful weekend as well! Maybe you’ll get a chance to stop by the site for comments, critiques, thoughts, support, and suggestions. I’d love to hear what’s been on your minds. Or maybe you just want to pop in, introduce yourself, and say ‘Oi!’

Lot’s of love to you all. To my American readers, have a lovely long weekend and BBQ-ful labor day. Make sure and wear white the next day.

BONZAI!